NORRISTOWN — The Norristown Recreation Committee honored Norristown police Capt. Willie Richet Monday with the Living the Dream Award, which it bestows annually on a civic volunteer in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

“I’m very humbled to be receiving this award tonight,” said Richet. “When I look at the name of this award, ‘Living the Dream,’ one thing I can say with certainty is that I have lived my dream.”

Richet, who was born in Florida but has lived in Norristown since 1951, attended school in the Norristown Area School District, graduating in 1967. He has been an officer for the Norristown Police Department since 1973.

“Other people throughout the years have grown up and been raised here and then left, but he’s continued to stay here and serve, so that within itself says a lot,” Norristown Council President Gary Simpson said. “He’s lived here his whole life. He’s raised family here. He continues to have a home here as he continues to stay on the police force.”

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In his 40 years as an officer, Richet rose through the departmental ranks and has served as community relations commander, the commander of the criminal investigation and juvenile divisions and an administrative lieutenant. On Jan. 15, the Norristown Municipal Council unanimously appointed Richet to serve as interim police chief while a search committee looks for a permanent replacement for current Chief Russell Bono, who is scheduled to retire on Feb. 28.

Richet is a veteran of the Vietnam War, during which he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and he is a charter member of the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League (GNPAL), where he serves on the board of directors and has served as treasurer and executive director. He is also a member of Elks Elmwood Lodge #438, where he has served as exalted ruler and treasurer, and a charter member Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where he is deacon emeritus.

“My family and I are very appreciative of this distinguished honor that (has been) bestowed upon Willie this evening,” said Richet’s wife, Barbara, who introduced him and the ceremony and received the award in 2007.

During his acceptance speech, Richet said he honored to receive the award and discussed how the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. are still relevant and can be followed today by the community.

“As long was work together, as a community, as a people together, we can make a difference,” he said. “Martin Luther King made a difference. We don’t want his death and his life to be in vain. We’ve got to continue to live his dream.”

The ceremony also featured a number of local musical acts, including the choir from Gotwals Elementary School, which has performed at the ceremony for the past eight years; Stasha Jackson; and sister duo Danavia and Dazur Williams.

The recreation committee has given out the Living the Dream Award since 2005. Recipients are chosen primarily for volunteer work done in the community, according to Norristown Recreation Director William Plichta, who served as the master of ceremonies.

“It’s not all about me,” Richet said. “It’s about us, all of us together, regardless of what color you are because that is what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for. He stood for nonviolence. He stood for freedom for everybody, not for just one people but everybody. We have a lot to be proud of. We have a beautiful, fine heritage here in Norristown.”